..We seek to fill this gap through documenting experiences from four programs in Australia, Canada, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. We focused on challenges in SP methodology, faculty, organisational structure and quality assurance...

..The role of the perioperative specialist practitioner (PSP), conceived as a response to the Working Time Directive, provides integrated preoperative and postoperative care to patients undergoing surgery in hospital...

..Finally, the case is made for curriculum redesign to ensure that simulator-based technical skills training and assessment take place within an authentic context that reflects the wider elements of clinical practice...

..This novel use of simulation provides a patient-centred, learner-focused approach that builds up a composite picture of technical skills, communication skills and professional behaviours across a range of challenging clinical situations...

..Limitations of the study centre on the small numbers of participants and the novelty of the course. Repeating the evaluations on a subsequent course will provide insight into the ways in which nurses acquire and integrate new skills...

..Anecdotal evidence suggests that SP roles are usually created by health care professionals and teachers. Although this approach has advantages it places the role at risk of omitting or misrepresenting real patients' experiences...

Can 'performing' a procedure help students explain it to their patients?

..Amongst other functions, SCPs can provide a range of surgical procedures including a 'minor surgical' service. The aim of this study was to audit the volume and outcomes related to the SCP service at St Mary's since its inception...